Today we’d like to introduce you to Golden Retrievers in Need (GRIN) .
Hi Golden Retrievers in Need (GRIN), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, Inc., also known as GRIN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in 1992 by a group of Golden Retriever enthusiasts who recognized the need to find good homes for the countless Golden Retrievers euthanized each year for lack of a loving home. Thirty-two years later we are proud to continue the work they began.
For three decades GRIN has been supported by a community of dog lovers who are also passionate about saving dogs that deserve a second chance.
GRIN’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes in need. We are committed to helping dogs that come to our organization whether it is via shelters, puppy mills, breeder relinquishments, strays, or owner surrenders. Our rescue efforts focus on helping local dogs, but also international dogs when possible. We are a fully volunteer run organization that is dedicated to saving as many dogs as we can; where every dollar raised goes to ensuring our rescues have the medical care and training necessary to ultimately result in a successful adoption. We are a passionate group of dog lovers that strive to educate the community on responsible dog ownership & dog advocacy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
GRIN, like other rescues and shelters, since COVID, has struggled with a substantial increase in the number of dogs that need help. During COVID we saw a significant increase in dog purchases and adoptions and hence a significant number of dogs being produced in commercial breeding facilities (puppy mills). Mills were flourishing and if you are a mill in Ohio, due to lax laws and enforcement, it is a great place to be a puppy mill.
Fast forward post COVID dogs are being returned, dumped in shelters and rescues. In addition to the increase in volume, many of these dogs lack socialization and training creating challenges in adoption and have resulted in an increase in euthanasia rates. Additionally given the poor breeding practices, lack of medical care and access to healthy food and clean water, many of the dogs being produced by mills have complicated and often life-threatening conditions. We are seeing heart conditions, orthopedic issues including luxating Patellas, deformed limbs, bone breaks, heartworm, and more.
Adoptions are a challenge as well as so many people purchased dogs during COVID leaving the pool of qualified adopters much smaller than what we have seen in the past.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Recently retired from the health insurance industry, I have been a member of this organization for over 23 years. I have served in various capacities, everything from fundraising and fostering to Vice President and now President of the GRIN Board of Trustees.
I am proud to be able to lead such an amazing group of passionate volunteers who come together to assist these dogs in need. Our volunteers and supporters, who give so much of their time, energy, and resources, are the reason GRIN, after 32 years, can continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome these precious dogs.
How do you think about happiness?
Happy endings! Seeing these dogs who came to GRIN with serious medical or social issues ending up in amazing homes with amazing lives! The work our teams do to set these dogs up for success. The end result being security, comfort, and the love of a family – the gift we wish for every dog in need. Giving them a new leash on life!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grinrescue.org
- Instagram: @grinrescue
- Facebook: Golden Retrievers in Need (GRIN)
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grin-rescue/
- Youtube: GRINGolden
